Military-tourism show?

We will not comment on the merits of the Balikatan exercises conducted under the Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA). We are an environmental group and do not wish to get involved in geopolitics. However, we vehemently denounce the joint military exercises in the Philippine Marines Base Camp in Ternate, Cavite. The site is right in the middle of a prime tourism area (sounds like Gina Lopez’s objection to mining in eco-tourism areas).

Ternate is where Marbella/Caylabne, Puerto Azul, Las Casas de Calabuena, PTA Public Beach Resort and other resorts are located. More importantly, Ternate is sandwiched between the multibillion-peso Pagcor Entertainment City and the multibillion-peso Hamilo Coast project of SMDC. Ultimately, the coastline from Pagcor Entertainment City to Hamilo Coast will be the “French Riviera of the Philippines” and the show-window of the Philippines’ tourism industry.

How is it conceivable that a naval base, where military exercises participated in by foreign forces using battleships and heavy artillery, can co-exist with a prime tourism destination?

Calling the attention of President Aquino, Tourism Secretary Ramon Jimenez and Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin to deal with the situation before it becomes another national issue. We say, “Out with the naval base” and “No more Balikatan joint military exercises in Ternate,” effective immediately.

—NELIA FUENTEBELLA,

executive director,

Trees For Life Foundation Inc.,

9/F LPL Tower, 112 Legaspi St.,

Legaspi Village, Makati City

[email protected]